It is the fourth studio album from Deep Purple since Steve Morse joined the band in 1994. It is also the second album to feature veteran keyboardist Don Airey. The album was produced by Mike Bradford, who also produced the band's previous release, Bananas.

Like Bananas, the album generally received positive reviews from critics.[6][7]Rapture of the Deep is Deep Purple's first release in Europe on the minor label Edel Records, while in the US the record was released by Edel's sub-label Eagle Records. However, Damien was critical of the album in Terrorizer, lambasting it as "dad-rock autopilot" and lacking fire.[5]

The album peaked on Billboard's USA "Top Independent Albums" Chart at position No. 43.[8] In the USA, the album sold 2500 copies during the first week. In the UK, the album sold 3500 copies during the first week and 1200 copies during the week after.[9] It also made the top 20 in several European charts. The title track "Rapture of the Deep" was released as a single in 2005.